Road and traffic safety

Road Safety Strategic Plan

Hobsons Bay City Council's Road Safety Strategy 2011-2013 outlines how the Council will reduce the number of road deaths and injuries and improve road safety for all road users in the municipality.

Since 2003, the total number of people injured on roads in Hobsons Bay has fallen significantly, however on average, from 2003 to 2007, someone is killed on our roads every two months and four people are injured every week.

The strategy was developed in consultation with the community and road safety organisations and focuses on 41 key actions targeted at:

School children;
Older drivers;
High risk drivers;
Pedestrians in shopping or community precincts; and
People who drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Download the Council's Road Safety Strategy 2011-2013.

Road Safety during holiday periods

Some practical advice during the holiday seasons:

Walk Safely

Cross roads at traffic lights or pedestrian crossings;
Walk straight across the road – don’t run;
Parked cars make it hard for drivers to see you – be extra careful;
You must walk on footpath or nature strip if there is one you can use;
If you must walk along the road, walk facing the traffic;
At night, cross near street lights; and
At night, wear light coloured clothing.

Drive safely

Everyone must wear seat belts;
Check new rules for children under 7 years;
Normally, children under 7 must not ride in the front seat;
Drinking alcohol before driving increases the risk of serious injury or death – for you, and for your family and friends;
You may still be unfit to drive the morning after;
Know the signs of driver tiredness;
Tiredness affects your driving the same way as alcohol; and
Stop and rest or swap drivers at the very first sign.

Cycle safely

Wear a helmet and strap it on – it can save your life;
Know the bicycle road rules – get the pamphlet, Bicycle Safety;
At night, make sure you have lights front and back; and
Just got your first bike? Know the rules. Practice riding in places with no traffic.

Holiday car trips

Have your car checked: brakes, lights, tyres, windscreen washers;
Plan to stop and get out of the car every 2 hours;
Don’t drive at times when you would normally be sleeping;
Avoid large, fatty meals – Healthy foods help to keep you alert;
Share the driving – Swap drivers after every stop; and
Keep the kids amused with the Road Safety Activity Book.

School and pedestrian crossings

The Council can allocate funds for the provision of pedestrian and school crossings where appropriate. Pedestrian crossings and school crossings must meet certain criteria, for example pedestrian and vehicle ratios, to comply with VicRoads guidelines.

If you would like to request a new pedestrian/school crossing or would like to report a maintenance requirement please complete the general service request form.

Local Area Traffic Management (LATM)

The main objectives of a Local Area Traffic Management Study are to address local road safety issues, traffic speed and volume issues, parking safety problems and improved residential environment. The process involves extensive community consultation leading to the development of a traffic management plan for the local area. The municipality has been divided into approximately 30 local area precincts.

If you would like to request further information regarding your particular area please complete the general service request form.

Parking and traffic signs

The Council aims to provide adequate and appropriate parking and traffic signage throughout the municipality. To report damaged or missing signs or to request a new sign please complete the general service request form.

Resident Parking Zones

Resident Parking Zones entitle residents and their visitors to park in areas where parking restrictions apply. Vehicles with a permit are exempt from time limits in those designated areas only (in the vicinity of their property). These zones are often implemented where long term parking problems exist.

If you require further information or have a complaint regarding your particular street please complete the general service request form.

Street lighting

The Council funds new or improved street lighting. To request new or improved street lighting in your area please complete the general service request form.

Faults with street lighting are managed by your power supplier.

Powercor now offers its customers an online streetlight fault reporting tool. Visit www.powercor.com.au to report the faulty or broken light.

Powercor customers can also report faulty lights by calling tel: 13 24 12.

United Energy or Jemena customers (formerly Alinta) can report faulty streetlights by calling tel: 132099.

Line marking

The Council has an ongoing linemarking maintenance program and carries out regular inspections through its maintenance contractor. To request new linemarking or to request linemarking maintenance please complete the general service request form.

Bus stops and shelters

The Council, in conjunction with the Department of Transport and local bus operators aim to provide adequate bus stops and bus shelters throughout Hobsons Bay. To request a bus stop or shelter or report damage/graffiti to a bus shelter please complete the general service request form.

Traffic signals - new and faults

To report a faulty traffic or pedestrian operated signal please contact VicRoads on 13 11 70.

A request for new traffic or pedestrian crossing signals can be referred directly to the Council on 9932 1000 or by completing a general service request form.

Temporary road closure

Residents or contractors who want to temporarily close a road for any reason must apply to the Council in writing. A traffic management plan complying with the relevant Australian Standard will be required prior to approval being given. For further information please contact the Traffic Engineering Unit on tel: 9932 1000.